Redskins vs. Eagles preview: NFC East showdown set for Monday night
The Washington Redskins need a win to keep pace with the Cowboys in the NFC East, while the Philadelphia Eagles need a win to get back into the race.
The Washington Redskins (6-5) are back in action on Monday night with a trip to Philadelphia to face the Eagles (5-6) in a must-win game for both NFC East teams. The Redskins have lost two straight after spending a good portion of the first half of the season in first place in the NFC East. A season-ending leg injury to quarterback Alex Smith two weeks ago added to the litany of injuries suffered by Washington on the offensive side of the ball this season.
Longtime backup Colt McCoy can move this offense. In a Thanksgiving Day loss to Dallas, McCoy passed for 268 yards and two touchdowns. On the flip side, McCoy was also intercepted three times. That’s life with McCoy. He is going to take more chances, meaning this offense will move the ball against virtually anyone, however, there will be more turnovers with Smith under center.
The Redskins will get back running back Chris Thompson back this week. That’s huge for Washington. Thompson is the most dynamic player on offense and he’s also excellent in pass protection. He and Adrian Peterson could be key for Washington’s playoff chances down the stretch. After a sizzling start to the season, Peterson has slowed down a bit the last few weeks, although injuries to the offensive line have played a role in that, too.
It’s been a frustrating year for the Eagles. Like Washington, Philadelphia has battled injuries, too. Philly’s secondary is especially thin and this is an area to watch on Monday night. Can Washington’s receivers get separation against a beleaguered Eagles’ secondary?
One bright spot for Philadelphia recently has been running back Josh Adams. After not playing a lot during the first part of the season, Adams has taken off over the last few weeks when given an opportunity. Philly’s run to the Super Bowl last year was aided by its ability to run the football. The Eagles could also get their dynamic third-down back, too, as Darren Sproles is questionable.
Philadelphia quarterback Carson Wentz is having a solid year coming off knee surgery. At times, Wentz hasn’t looked like the same player as he was a year ago, but that’s beginning to change over the last several weeks. And Wentz has had some huge games against the Redskins over the last two years. Look for tight end Zach Ertz to have another big game on Monday night.
TV and Live Stream Info
Date: Monday, Dec. 3
Start time: 8:20 p.m. EST
Location: Philadelphia, Penn.
Stadium: Lincoln Financial Field
TV Info: ESPN Live Stream: WatchESPN
The Redskins are historically bad on Monday night over the last 20 years. This is their second game on Monday night this season and the first time, predictably, didn’t go too well as the Saints routed Washington 43-19. Perhaps the most embarrassing loss in recent franchise history is when the Eagles destroyed the Redskins all the back in 2010 when Michael Vick put on a one-man show.
Interestingly enough, the Redskins last win on Monday night came back in 2014. The quarterback for Washington on that night: Colt McCoy. Can McCoy pull off another huge win on Monday night?
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Prediction
There are plenty of reasons to think this could be night Washington ends its Monday night struggles. First, the Eagles are vulnerable through the air. While the Redskins don’t have a dynamic passing offense, they do have some weapons and McCoy isn’t afraid to attack downfield. However, the Redskins have struggled on defense recently and Wentz will capitalize on those struggles by making some huge plays and passing for over 300 yards to pull Philly’s record to 6-6 on the season.
Final score: Eagles 27, Redskins 24